All-Star center Dwight Howard was shut down by Charlotte's defense, scoring just four points, and fouled out for the first time this season with 3:18 remaining.

Gerald Wallace scored 17 points, and Raymond Felton and Adam Morrison had 14 each for the Bobcats, who led 51-47 with seven minutes left in the third quarter.

But Pietrus capped a 7-point run with a 3-pointer to put Orlando up 54-51 with 5:45 left, and the Magic went on to win their third consecutive road game.

Charlotte made it 70-69 with 9:31 left to play on Morrison's jumper and two free throws. But Pietrus' layup 25 seconds later kicked off a 7-1 run that pushed Orlando's lead back to 77-70, and the Bobcats couldn't get closer than five points the rest of the way.

Notes:@ Charlotte F Sean May scored four points in 12 1/2 minutes in his second consecutive start. However, coach Larry Brown said that May _ who missed the 2007-08 season after having surgery on his right knee, and was held out of five straight games this season for "conditioning issues" _ wasn't at the level he needs to be yet. "He's not ready to play like he's capable of playing," Brown said. ... The Bobcats wrap up their six-game homestand on Tuesday against Dallas. ... The Magic will play three of their next four at home, beginning Tuesday against Toronto.